Contact Dermatitis: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 9/10/2019

The main symptom of contact dermatitis is a skin rash. The rash may ooze or weep fluid and is typically located at the site of contact with the irritating substance that led to the contact dermatitis. The rash is often red in color and raised above the level of the skin. The rash is usually accompanied by itching or burning, and the affected area may feel warm to the touch. Older lesions may scale over, thicken, and often remain itchy.

Causes of contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs at the site of exposure to a substance capable of producing an allergic reaction in the individual. It is caused by exposure to and contact with an irritating substance to which the patient has developed a skin allergy.

Other contact dermatitis symptoms and signs

  • Blisters
  • Chapped Skin
  • Peeling Skin
  • Red Skin
  • Scaly Skin
  • Skin Burning
  • Skin Fissures
  • Skin Itching
  • Skin Pain
  • Skin Rash
  • Stinging
  • Swelling
  • Thickened Skin
  • Weeping or Oozing Blisters

References
Aneja, Savina. "Irritant Contact Dermatitis." Medscape.com. Apr. 13, 2017. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049353-overview>.

Helm, Thomas N. "Allergic Contact Dermatitis." Medscape.com. Apr. 10, 2017. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049216-overview>.